Who Wrote What In The New Yorker Encyclopedia Of Cartoons

Scattered through the forthcoming New Yorker Encyclopedia Of Cartoons (out October 2nd) are a number of what are called commentaries (an example: “Banana Peels”). These are unsigned, but a blanket credit for assisting in the writing is given in the introduction to cartoonists Emily Flake, Pat Byrnes, Tom Toro, Paul Karasik, and the New Yorker’s Assistant Cartoon Editor, Colin Stokes [full disclosure: I was asked to audition for the opportunity to write a number of these commentaries. I declined to audition after learning my efforts, if used, would appear uncredited].

The Spill loves giving credit where credit is due, and in that spirit I”m listing the work contributed by three of the above unsigned contributors. Paul Karasik posted some of his contributions on Facebook (I’m attempting to track down the rest). Tom Toro and Pat Byrnes responded to my request for theirs. Should Emily Flake and Colin Stokes respond, I’ll list their contributions as well.

One quibble with these commentaries: they are not indexed; the reader must hunt for them.